What resulted as a remarkable turn of events in London Stadium on Sunday could have prevented the Gunners from losing the Premier League title.
Gary Neville called it, “The biggest moment in VAR history in the Premier League.”
Everyone knows the scenario in the closing moments of the match following Leandro Trossard’s goal in the 83rd minute. Chaos, havoc, pushing, shoving, clawing, holding, you name it was going on in the Hammers penalty box when Callum Wilson knock a loose ball home to apparently tie the match.
A draw might have given West Ham a slim chance to avoid relegation, while a win would move Arsenal another step closer to winning the championship. It was a tense, and very key moment to help determine the outcome of the season’s final table.
Everyone held their collective breath until referee Chris Kavanaugh scanned his VAR monitor and then announcement there was a foul on David Raya that would nullify the goal. WHU’s Pablo had held the arm of Raya during the corner kick just prior to Wilson’s foot finding the ball.
Arsenal would win 1-0 and move five points clear of Manchester City. The Hammers would remain one point below Tottenham Hotspur in 18th place.
A few observations: First, David Raya also help to save the season with a miraculous one v one save from the foot of Crysencio Summerville. The Arsenal goalkeeper was superb, as was Martin Odegaard when in camee on late in the second half. The Arsenal captain instantly sparked the offense his creativity and provided the assist to Trossard for the Belgium’s goal.
Secondly, there was some weird substituting by Mikel Arteta in the second half. At one point Martin Zubimendi replaced the injured right back Ben White, but Declan Rice moved to replace him at right back. Then later, Kai Havertz replaced Zubimendi in midfield, Myles Lewis-Skelly moved to right back with Rice coming back into the midfield. There had to be some method to his madness, but, whatever it was, it seemed to work.
Arsenal has Burnley and Crystal Palace left to play in the league. Man City has Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa yet to face. With both teams winning out, the Gunners would win the title by two points.
There is no room for error for the Gunners. No room at all.
COYG!
Gunner1953
Arsenal Women have announced Beth Mead, Victoria Pelova and Laia Codina will leave the club at the end of this season.
Arsenal’s magic number to win the Premier League title is 6. Any combination of 6 points gained by the Gunners or points dropped by Manchester City will secure the title.
Ben White was helped off the field on Sunday with what appeared to be an injury to his right knee.
